ZlDail  publishing  Co.,  TOlatcrcille,  flDc. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/colbyuniversityaOOunse 


Colb£  XUntpet'sit^ 

...anb... 

Hcabemies 


1898 


Colby  University. 


MONG  the  most  beautiful  objects  on  the  campus  at  Colby  are  “the  willows  ” — two  long 
rows  of  gigantic  willow  growths  reaching  down  the  sloping  bank  of  the  Kennebec  to  the 
water’s  edge,  and  with  their  interlocking  branches  forming  an  archway  of  green,  beautiful 
and  satisfying  to  every  beholder  — an  enduring  memorial  of  the  first  student,  graduate  and 
instructor  of  the  College,  George  Dana  Boardman,  whose  hand  in  1821-2  set  out  the  slips 
from  which  they  grew,  and  whose  brief  career  as  a pioneer  missionary  is  memorialized  still 
more  enduringly  in  the  leafy  forests  of  Burma  in  the  Karen  race  whose  beginnings  of 
spiritual  life  were  planted  by  the  same  disinterested  hand. 

He  was  the  most  worthy  son  of  a most  worthy  sire,  — for  as  far  as  records  go  to  no  one  is  Colby  University 
more  indebted  for  its  early  planting  than  to  Sylvanus  Boardman,  who  as  early  as  1807  in  a circular  letter 
addressed  to  the  Bowdoinham  Association  made  a plea  for  the  higher  education  of  the  ministry.  In  the  early 
history  of  Maine  religious  privileges  were  scanty.  Converts  were  multiplied  and  churches  were  formed.  The 
pastors  were  at  first  more  familiar  with  their  Bibles  than  with  the  schools.  The  growth  of  the  churches  begat 
the  need  of  a better  educated  and  prepared  ministry. 

At  a meeting  of  the  Bowdoinham  Association  in  1810  it  was  evident  that  Boardman  and  his  associates 
had  continued  to  make  the  matter  prominent  for  the  records  of  the  meeting  have  this  item:  “It  being  in 


THE  CAMPUS. 


MEMORIAL  HALL. 


THE  LIBRARY. 


contemplation  to  establish  an  institution  in  the  district  of  Maine  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  literary  and 
theological  knowledge,  brethren  Boardman,  Blood,  Merrill,  Titcomb  and  Tripp  were  appointed  a committee  to 
take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  petitioning  the  General  Court  for  incorporation,  &c.”  At  the  same 
meeting  a committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with  a like  committee  to  be  appointed  by  the  Lincoln  Association. 
The  matter  progressed  until  1813  when  a joint  committee  of  Bowdoinham,  Lincoln  and  Cumberland  Associa- 
tions, through  Rev.  Daniel  Merrill  of  Sedgwick,  a member,  secured  a charter  from  the  General  Court  of 
Massachusetts  under  the  title  of  “The  President  and  Trustees  of  the  Maine  Literary  and  Theological  Institu- 
tion.” Sylvanus  Boardman  and  twenty  other  prominent  pastors  and  laymen  were  appointed  trustees.  All  were 
united  in  the  purpose  of  establishing  an  institution  in  which  the  pastors  of  the  growing  churches  could  be 
properly  trained. 

Thus  the  institution  came  into  being  as  an  answer  to  an  earnest  desire  for  an  educated  ministry.  The 
next  five  years  were  spent  in  locating  the  plant  and  getting  it  into  running  order.  Then  after  two  years  of 
service,  or  in  1820,  its  scope  was  changed  and  broadened,  and  it  became  Waterville  College.  The  next  forty 
years,  to  state  it  briefly,  were  years  of  struggle  with  meagre  resources  and  equipment,  yet  was  a period  of  slow 
but  sure  progress  ; new  buildings  were  erected,  new  courses  of  study  were  inaugurated,  and  a good  foundation 
was  laid  for  future  enlargement.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  of  the  patient,  toil-devoted  sacrifice  and  persevering 
effort  of  those  who  had  charge  of  affairs.  They  were  men  of  eminence  in  character  and  learning.  They  were 
faithful  in  their  day  and  generation.  Their  reward  is  seen  in  the  growing  structure  erected  upon  their  founda- 
tion, and  the  more  rapid  advancement  made  the  last  third  of  a century. 

Thus  Colby  University,  — as  by  another  change  of  name  in  honor  of  one  of  her  noble  benefactors  she  is  now 
called,  - — for  nearly  eighty  years  has  occupied  a unique  place  among  the  educational  institutions  of  the  State  of 
Maine  and  of  New  England.  Her  gradual  but  sure  growth  in  material,  intellectual  and  moral  power,  her 
increase  in  teaching  force  and  number  of  students,  her  two  co-ordinate  colleges  for  men  and  women  respectively, 


STUDY  AND  LIBRARY. — (HISTORICAL  DEPARTMENT). 


GEOLOGICAL  LABORATORY,  COBURN  HALL. 


MEMORIAL  HALL,  SOUTHWEST  CORNER. 


COIIURN  HALL,  SHANNON  OBSERVATORY  AND  GYMNASIUM. 


■ill 

Ek'  i * 


1 ■ " ■ 

I v!  r' " t m- 

."" - 


MEMORIAL  TABLET. — THORW AI.DSEN’s  LION  OF  LUCERNE. 


her  present  endowment  of  $450,000,  her  four  affiliated  preparatory  schools  at  Waterville,  Hebron,  Houlton  and 
Charleston,  with  total  endowments  of  $175,000  more,  her  twelve  hundred  graduates  occupying  positions  of 
trust  and  influence  in  all  professions  in  all  parts  of  the  earth  — all  of  these  speak  of  the  value  of  her  service 
in  the  cause  of  education,  and  make  a claim  upon  all  interested  in  her  welfare  and  that  of  liberal  education  for 
a most  hearty  allegiance  and  support. 

During  the  past  twenty-five  years,  owing  to  the  munificence  of  her  patrons,  the  College  has  enjoyed  her 
greatest  prosperity,  but  nothing  has  been  added  to  her  resources.  Instead  the  incidents  of  time  have  depleted 
these.  While  the  College  has  gone  on  doing  its  work,  faithfully  striving  to  meet  the  growing  demands  of  the 
hour,  her  friends  have  not  increased.  Success  depends  upon  the  growth,  enlargement  and  recuperation  of 
resources  as  well  as  of  the  curriculum.  The  former  must  keep  pace  with  the  latter.  So  Colby  University 
confronts  a crisis  in  her  history.  While  progressive  work  has  been  done  and  new  features  of  service  have 
been  introduced  and  advanced,  the  financial  resources  have  not  increased,  so  that  merely  to  meet  the  normal 
demands  of  the  present  and  the  next  ten  years  the  College  will  need  $500,000,  half  to  be  added  to  the  general 
fund  and  half  to  be  expended  in  buildings  and  equipment.  The  College  is  in  the  condition  of  any  large 
business  that  having  grown  beyond  its  invested  capital  and  facilities  for  service,  must  increase  the  one  and 
enlarge  the  other  or  fall  behind  in  the  competition  of  the  age  and  come  to  loss  and  decay.  As  President 
Butler  pertinently  says:  “ There  is  more  inspiration  in  providing  a new  suit  for  a growing  boy  than  in  patching 
the  garments  of  the  aged.” 

So  the  question  of  the  hour  is,  whether  the  friends  and  legitimate  patrons  of  the  College  will  allow  her 
thus  to  fall  behind  in  the  race.  The  trustees  do  not  believe  they  will,  that  they  are  too  personally  interested, 
that  they  have  too  deep  a concern  in  her  welfare  and  in  the  cause  of  liberal  and  Christian  education  to  permit 
it.  So  they  have  instituted  measures  for  the  increase  of  her  financial  resources,  as  a basis  for  the  enlargement 


PROFESSOR  ROGERS’  ROOM— SHANNON  OBSERVATORY. 


“the  bricks. 


THE  WILLOWS. 


of  her  service.  It  is  designed  to  make  the  movement  permanent  and  to  secure  a financial  constituency  for  the 
College  which  will  meet  all  the  increasing  wants  of  the  future. 

What  is  meant  by  a financial  constituency  is  best  illustrated  by  what  has  been  done  the  last  year.  A 
subscription  list  of  six  hundred  persons  or  parties  has  been  obtained  amounting  to  upwards  of  $ 60,000 . This 
sum  is  made  up  of  one  subscription  of  $10,000,  three  of  $5,000,  and  the  rest,  or  over  $35,000  of  subscriptions, 
of  from  $1  to  $200  per  year  for  five  years,  and  then  to  be  renewed  for  another  term  of  years  as  may  be  arranged 
for.  It  means  to  secure  for  the  College  an  inflow  of  funds  from  year  to  year  from  an  interested  constit- 
uency like  that  enjoyed  by  every  denominational  missionary  society. 

It  is  hoped  as  soon  as  possible  to  organize  all  the  patronage  of  the  College  in  a union  of  effort  of  this 
kind.  Those  who  have  had  the  matter  in  charge  thus  far,  and  who  are  acquainted  with  the  conditions  of  life 
of  the  six  hundred  subscribers,  cannot  see  why  that  number  and  the  amount  thus  raised  cannot  be 
duplicated  tenfold. 

The  three  most  pressing  needs  of  the  College  are  the  enlargement  of  the  general  fund,  a Chemical 
Laboratory,  and  a Women’s  Dormitory,  but  subscriptions  may  be  made  for  any  department  of  College  work,  or 
for  either  of  the  four  Academies.  It  is  fully  expected  that  the  Laboratory  will  be  erected  this  year  and  the 
Women’s  Dormitory  next  year.  There  will  be  opportunity  for  large  gifts  and  for  small  gifts,  for  bequests  in 
wills,  and  for  the  giving  of  any  amount  in  any  way  as  shall  seem  best  for  the  donors.  The  full  success  of  the 
work  depends  as  much  upon  the  large  number  of  small  gifts  as  upon  the  few  great  ones.  If  all  who  should  be 
relatively  interested  in  the  College  will  simply  do  according  to  their  several  ability,  a result  will  accrue  of  the 
greatest  advantage.  Not  one  of  the  six  hundred  subscribers  to  the  fund  already  secured  could  have  been 
spared.  Success  may  depend  upon  the  officers  of  the  College,  but  the  enthusiastic  co-operative  effort  of  all  is 
needed,  and  only  will  insure  the  greatest  and  happiest  results. 


VIEW  DOWN  KENNEBEC  RIVER. 


ATHLETIC  FIELD. 


COBURN  CLASSICAL  INSTITUTE. 


Cobtlrp  Classical  Institute. 


'V5^ 


c 


^v. 


1-W 


^ OBURN  Classical  Institute  was  established  in  1829  under  the  name  of  Waterville  Academy. 

In  1865  the  name  was  changed  to  Waterville  Classical  Institute.  In  1885  the  name  was 
again  changed  to  Coburn  Classical  Institute,  in  honor  of  its  greatest  benefactor,  Abner 
Coburn,  ex-Governor  of  Maine,  whose  gifts  to  the  school  amount  to  $100,000.  One  of  the 
chief  advantages  of  the  school  is  its  location.  Waterville  is  a beautiful  and  healthful  city 
of  about  8,000  inhabitants,  situated  on  the  Kennebec  River,  eighteen  miles  above  Augusta. 
The  city  is  noted  for  the  number  and  excellence  of  its  educational  institutions.  Situated 
near  the  centre  of  the  State  and  at  the  junction  of  the  two  principal  branches  of  the  Maine  Central  Railroad, 
it  is  more  easy  of  access  than  any  other  city  in  the  State. 

The  main  school  building  is  situated  in  one  of  the  most  delightful  parts  of  the  city.  Surrounded  by  large 
elms  and  maples  and  overlooking  “Monument  Park,”  it  is  the  most  striking  and  attractive  building  in  the  city. 
It  was  built  at  a cost  of  more  than  $50,000.  It  is  constructed  of  brick  and  red  sandstone,  is  three  stories 
high,  and  is  surmounted  by  a tower  and  an  astronomical  observatory.  The  building  contains  twenty  rooms 
which  are  used  for  school  purposes. 

The  Hanson  Cottage,  located  at  the  corner  of  Spring  and  Elm  Streets,  is  used  as  a home  for  young  lady 
students.  It  is  situated  within  two  minutes’  walk  of  the  school  building  in  a beautiful  and  healthful  part  of 


HANSON  COTTAGE. 


the  city.  The  cottage  contains  twelve  sleeping  rooms,  parlor  and  reception  room,  a large  dining  room,  and 
bath  rooms.  All  the  rooms  are  heated  by  steam,  well  lighted,  and  furnished  with  new  furniture.  Particular 
pains  have  been  taken  to  make  the  sanitary  conditions  the  best  possible.  The  house  is  under  the  supervision 
of  the  preceptress  and  a matron,  both  of  whom  live  in  the  house.  Every  effort  is  put  forth  to  make  the  life 
here  similar  to  that  of  a well-ordered  home.  Parents  may  rest  assured  that  their  daughters  will  have  the 
comforts  of  home  under  the  best  of  influences. 

The  reputation  of  the  school  rests  mainly  upon  its  work  as  a preparatory  school.  This  reputation  is 
due  mainly  to  the  well-known  classical  scholar,  James  H.  Hanson,  L.  L.  D.,  who  was  principal  of  the  school  for 
forty  years.  More  students  have  prepared  for  College  here  than  at  any  other  school  in  Maine.  More  than  six 
hundred  have  been  graduated  from  the  preparatory  course.  Among  the  most  noted  of  these  are  Congressman 
Nelson  Dingley,  Jr.,  Governor  Llewellyn  Powers,  Hon.  Bartlett  Tripp,  U.  S.  Minister  to  Austria,  William 
Mathews,  LL.D.,  President  Nathaniel  Butler,  D.U.,  of  Colby  University,  ex-President  George  W.  Smith  of 
Colgate  University,  President  Charles  F.  Meserve,  of  Shaw  University,  Professor  Edward  S.  Sheldon  of  Harvard, 
Judge  W.  P.  Whitehouse,  Judge  E.  F.  Lyford.  Graduates  of  the  school  have  maintained  good  standing  in 
Harvard,  Yale,  Brown,  Colby,  Dartmouth,  Bowdoin,  Bates,  Wellesley,  and  other  Colleges.  Students  are  admitted 
without  examination  on  the  Principal’s  certificate  to  Colby,  Dartmouth,  Bates,  Maine  State  College,  Colgate, 
and  Wellesley. 

Beside  the  College  Preparatory  course  there  are  two  other  courses.  The  English-Scientific  course  prepares 
students  for  any  scientific  school.  The  Latin-Scientific  course  offers  instruction  in  English,  Latin,  French, 
German,  Mathematics,  History,  and  the  Sciences.  Both  these  courses  are  admirably  adapted  to  the  needs  of 
those  who  do  not  intend  to  enter  higher  schools,  but  desire  a good  general  training  as  a preparation  for  life. 
They  also  furnish  an  excellent  foundation  and  valuable  training  for  those  who  intend  to  become  teachers  in  the 
public  schools. 


LIBRARY. 


There  is  also  a musical  department  in  which  instruction  in  both  vocal  and  instrumental  music,  and 
harmony  is  given  by  excellent  teachers.  Students  who  complete  the  musical  course  are  given  diplomas 
certifying  to  this  fact. 

The  school  has  an  excellent  equipment  for  work  in  the  department  of  science.  Almost  the  entire  second 
floor  of  the  large  school  building  is  occupied  by  the  laboratories,  class-room  and  cabinets  of  this  department. 
In  Physics  a full  course  of  experiments  is  given  in  mechanics,  heat,  sound,  light,  and  electricity.  A similar 
course  is  given  in  Chemistry.  The  work  in  Astronomy  is  greatly  aided  by  the  use  of  a six-inch  equatorial 
telescope,  the  gift  of  Mary  D.  Lyford  and  her  son,  Hon.  Edwin  F.  Lyford,  of  Springfield,  Massachusetts.  The 
course  in  Botany  includes  laboratory  work  on  flowering  plants  and  ferns.  The  courses  in  Geology  and 
Natural  History  are  each  illustrated  by  a large  collection  of  specimens.  The  Geological  collection  contains 
about  one  thousand  specimens  of  minerals  and  rocks.  The  Natural  History  collection  contains  one  thousand 
specimens  of  well-mounted  animals  and  birds  and  bird  skins. 

The  Boutelle  Library  contains  seventeen  hundred  well-selected  volumes  to  which  new  books  are  added 
yearly  from  the  income  of  the  endowment  fund  given  by  the  late  Mrs.  Helen  Boutelle  Noyes.  All  the 
departments  are  well  supplied  with  books  for  reference  and  supplementary  reading.  The  library  is  open  daily 
under  the  direction  of  the  librarian.  It  occupies  an  attractive,  well-lighted  room,  provided  with  tables  and 
chairs  for  those  who  desire  to  read  or  take  notes.  A well-furnished  Reading  Room  is  maintained  by  the 
students.  More  than  thirty  magazines  and  papers  are  constantly  found  here. 

Vigorous  associations  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A and  Y.  W.  C.  A.  are  maintained  and  aid  greatly  in  preserving  a 
high  moral  and  religious  standard  in  the  school  life.  A beautiful  association  room  on  the  first  floor  has  been 
furnished  out  of  a fund  raised  by  the  students  and  alumni.  Voluntary  classes  carry  on  Bible  study  under  the 
direction  of  the  teachers  of  the  school.  There  is  also  a class  organized  for  the  systematic  study  of  missions. 

The  Philomathean  Debating  Club  is  conducted  by  the  young  men  for  the  purpose  of  practice  in  debate, 


PRINCITAl/s  ROOM, 


declamation,  and  parliamentary  usage.  Public  meetings  are  frequently  held  and  joint  debates  with  similar 
clubs  in  other  schools  take  place.  The  Coburn  Club  is  a similar  organization  supported  by  the  young  ladies. 
Fortnightly  meetings  are  held  at  which  musical  and  literary  programs  are  carried  out. 

There  are  two  Coburn  Alumni  Associations,  the  General  Association,  of  which  Nathaniel  Butler,  D.D.,  is 
president,  and  the  Boston  Alumni  Association,  of  which  Allan  P.  Soule  is  president. 

The  faculty  of  instruction  consists  of  four  men  and  five  women.  Franklin  W.  Johnson  has  been  the 
Principal  since  1894. 


STURT F.VA NT  HM.I, 


KD  CAMl’fS, 


Hebror]  flcaderiiy, 


HIS  is  the  oldest  of  the  preparatory  schools  connected  with  Colby  University,  and  its  origin 
is  found  in  the  insatiable  desire  for  higher  educational  advantages,  and  the  remarkable 
foresight  that  realized  the  blessing  that  would  accrue  to  future  generations  who  would  come 
under  its  influence.  Among  the  soldiers  of  the  Revolution  who  afterwards  established 
homes  in  the  district  of  Maine  was  Deacon  William  Barrows,  who  settled  in  Hebron, 
where  in  1791  he  was  instrumental  in  organizing  a Baptist  church.  In  1798  a comrade  in 
arms,  Rev.  John  Tripp,  became  pastor  and  held  this  office  till  his  death  in  1847.  Through 
their  influence  an  act  of  incorporation  and  a charter  for  an  Academy  was  granted  February  10,  1804.  The 
first  Board  of  Trustees  were  : John  Tripp,  Deacon  William  Barrows,  Elder  Hooper  of  Paris,  Samuel  Paris, 
Cyrus  Hamlin,  Ezekiel  Whitman,  John  Greenwood,  and  Luther  Cary. 

The  first  Academy  building  was  erected  more  than  a year  earlier  near  where  Sturtevant  Hall  now  stands, 
was  a one  story  structure,  30x50,  and  was  used  not  only  for  the  school  but  as  a place  of  worship.  This  was 
dedicated  to  Academy  work  Monday,  September  2,  1805,  and  school  commenced  the  next  day  with  sixty-five 
scholars,  under  the  charge  of  William  Barrows,  Jr.,  son  of  the  Deacon  and  a graduate  of  Dartmouth.  His 
salary  was  paid  by  tuition  fees. 

The  first  endowment  was  made  by  Andrew  Craigie,  then  proprietor  of  the  town,  through  his  agent  William 
C.  Whitney.  This  was  150  acres  of  land.  The  first  endowment  of  $3,000  was  raised  with  great  personal 
effort  and  sacrifice  by  Deacon  Barrows.  The  legislature  granted  a half  township  of  land,  the  most  of  which 
was  sold  for  $5,000. 


GYMNASIUM, 


From  1814  to  1820  various  adverse  experiences  came  to  the  Academy,  but  in  the  latter  year  a brick 
building  of  two  stories  and  well  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  the  school  was  erected,  mainly  by  the  efforts  and 
gifts  of  those  living  in  the  vicinity  who  rallied  nobly  to  its  support.  This  was  opened  at  the  beginning  of  the 
spring  term  of  1821,  and  soon  the  Academy  not  only  regained  its  former  standard  but  grew  rapidly  in  popular 
favor  with  all  the  neighboring  communities. 

In  1832  a boarding  house  was  erected,  known  as  the  “Trustee  House,”  to  which  additions  were  made  in 
1 85 7,  ’63,  ’83,  and  which  now  accommodates  about  thirty  students. 

In  1846  the  Academy  building,  having  been  injured  by  frost,  was  replaced  by  a new  one  at  a cost,  beside 
the  old  materials,  of  $520.  This  building  was  20x30,  of  two  stories,  built  of  brick,  with  a tower  and  belfry  in 
front,  in  which  was  hung  a bell  costing  $120,  the  use  of  which  was  shared  by  the  Baptist  church.  This 
building  was  opened  in  1847,  an(i  had  an  honored  service  until  removed  in  1891  on  the  completion  of 
Sturtevant  Hall. 

In  1867  a chapel,  a wooden  building  35x55,  of  one  story,  was  erected  through  the  efforts  of  the 
Principal,  Rev.  A.  C.  Herrick,  at  a cost  of  $1,200.  This  building  served  its  purpose  well,  and  now  forms  part 
of  the  Gymnasium. 

In  1874  Hebron  Academy  was  made  one  of  three  preparatory  schools  for  Colby  University.  The 
trustees  chose  Rev.  A.  R.  Crane,  D.  D.,  for  the  work  of  securing  $ 100,000  for  these  schools;  $25,000  of  this 
was  apportioned  to  Hebron.  Hon.  Hannibal  Hamlin  gave  $1,000  as  endowment  for  a library.  Mr.  David 
Anderson  also  gave  the  fund  called  by  his  name  of  $10,000,  making  a total  permanent  endowment  fund  at 
that  date  of  $36,000. 

This  was  the  dawn  of  a new  era  for  Hebron.  Need  of  better  accommodations  had  long  been  felt.  In 
1886  a committee  consisting  of  Judge  Bonney,  Rev.  S.  D.  Richardson,  and  Principal  Sargent  was  appointed 


f r 

wLj 

VI  * 

i mz  Twm 

Eii ! 

- ■ iStiit " SB 

| 1 

'**  Sj 

1 1 v: 

4JVI 

< jpmrm 

STURTEVANT  HALL  AND  GYMNASIUM. 


TRUSTEE  HOUSE 


ONE  OF  THE  MAIN  STREETS  OF  HEBRON. 


to  take  measures  for  securing  a new  Academy  building.  The  trustees  of  Colby  University  co-operated  and 
advised  efforts  being  made  for  the  raising  of  $15,000. 

Mr.  B.  F.  Sturtevant  of  Jamaica  Plain,  Mass.,  one  of  these  trustees,  became  deeply  interested  in  the 
project  and  offered  $10,000,  provided  that  $40,000  in  all  should  be  raised.  This  seemed  impossible,  but  trial 
was  made,  and  through  the  indefatigable  labors  of  Rev.  C.  M.  Emery,  who  was  made  special  agent  for  the 
work,  and  Judge  Bonney,  in  about  two  years  the  full  amount  was  secured.  Other  grand  results  came  in  and 
have  kept  coming.  Sturtevant  Hall,  one  of  the  finest  structures  of  the  kind  in  the  State,  has  been  erected  at 
a cost  of  $30,000  ; $4,500  has  been  expended  for  the  Principal’s  house  and  lot  (the  second  on  the  left  in  the 
picture  “ One  of  the  Main  Streets  of  Hebron  ”) ; a broad  and  beautiful  campus  has  been  graded  at  a cost  of 
$5,000  ; the  Baptist  church,  so  intimately  connected  with  the  school,  has  been  enlarged  and  improved  at  an 
expense  of  $3,000  or  $4,000  ; a Gymnasium  has  been  built  at  a cost  of  $10,000,  and  the  permanent  and  other 
funds  have  been  increased  to  full  $62,000.  Besides  all  this  material  development,  under  the  direction  of  the 
able  Principal,  William  E.  Sargent,  the  number  and  breadth  of  the  courses  of  study  have  been  enlarged,  the 
number  of  the  faculty  increased,  and  the  whole  school  has  advanced  to  the  position  of  one  of  the  best  schools 
of  its  grade  in  New  England. 

Surely  the  last  decade  or  more  of  years  has  seen  a beautiful  superstructure  built  upon  the  foundations  laid 
so  well  and  with  so  much  sacrifice  by  the  founders  of  this  school.  Their  lives  are  fragrant  with  sacred 
memories.  Beautiful  for  situation  is  Hebron  Academy,  and  the  joy  of  innumerable  sons  and  daughters  whom 
she  has  sent  out  into  the  world  to  honor  and  bless  with  their  influence  the  ways  of  life.  Her  life  is  perennial; 
the  glow  of  health  and  strength  mantles  her  cheek.  These  are  the  expression  of  life  and  growth,  and  these 
create  an  ever-enlarging  need  of  wealth  and  effort  for  their  ever-widening  circle  of  influential  service. 


WORDING  HALL  AND  DORMITORY. 


RicKer  Classical  Institute. 


T has  been  well  said  that  “if  a colony  of  New  England  people  should  be  planted  on  the 
remote  frontier  in  any  quarter  of  the  globe  within  twenty  four  hours  they  would  have  a 
church  under  cover  on  the  most  available  corner  and  a school  house  on  the  nearest  knoll.” 
And  nothing  was  ever  said  more  characteristic  of  the  lofty  ideals  that  actuated  those  who 
founded  our  commonwealths,  and  their  descendants  who  maintain  their  inheritance.  The 
town  of  Houlton  came  into  notice  first  as  a United  States  military  post  about  1835,  during 
the  settlement  of  the  northeast  boundary  line  between  this  government  and  Great  Britain. 
With  the  four  or  five  thousand  troops  came  people  from  other  parts  of  Maine  and  Massachusetts.  Ten  years 
later  the  much  thought  and  discussion  relative  to  an  Academy  culminated  in  a meeting  held  in  the  office  of 
Joseph  Carr,  Esq.,  located  upon  the  present  site  of  the  National  Bank,  on  the  north  side  of  the  square,  when 
eight  persons,  Joseph  Carr,  Leonard  Pierce,  Zebulon  Ingersoll,  John  Hodgdon,  Jeremiah  Trueworthy,  Shepherd 
Cary,  Zenas  P.  Wentworth  and  Benjamin  L.  Staples,  those  named  in  an  act  of  incorporation,  met  July  3,  1847, 
and  organized  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Houlton  Academy,  choosing  John  Hodgdon  President,  and  Benjamin 
Staples  Secretary. 

July  30,  1847,  the  legislature  conveyed  to  the  trustees  one-half  of  a township  of  land,  on  condition  that  a 
suitable  building  be  erected  and  a school  be  established  before  October,  1849.  At  a subsequent  meeting  of 


principal’s  room. 


the  trustees  a committee  was  chosen  to  select  a suitable  site  for  an  academy  building  and  to  have  a plan 
drawn.  The  present  location  was  purchased  and  the  building  was  erected  in  1848.  The  school  opened  in 
the  fall  of  the  same  year  with  Mr.  Milton  Welsh  as  Principal.  The  school  year  consisted  of  four  terms.  The 
second  story  of  the  building  was  used  as  a court  room  until  the  present  Court  House  was  built.  In  the  first 
story  the  school  was  held  for  about  twenty  years,  and  here  many  of  the  men  who  are  now  prominent  in  business 
and  profession  in  the  town  received  their  education.  The  trees  which  they  planted  upon  the  campus  now 
furnish  shade  for  their  sons. 

In  August,  1868,  steps  were  taken  for  the  erection  of  a new  Academy  building.  This  was  completed  in 
1870  at  a cost  of  about  $6,500.  The  former  house  was  sold,  moved  to  the  lot  south  and  made  into  a tenement 
house.  It  has  since  been  moved  to  the  north  side  of  Military  Street,  opposite  the  campus,  where  it  serves 
the  same  purpose. 

A three  years’  course  of  study  was  established  in  1870.  Shortly  after  this  Rev.  Joseph  Ricker,  D.  D., 
Secretary  of  the  Maine  Baptist  Missionary  Convention,  in  his  visits  to  Aroostook  in  the  interests  of  his  work, 
became  interested  in  Houlton  as  a natural  educational  centre  for  that  large  and  flourishing  section  of  the  State. 
At  this  time  also  Colby  University  began  to  plan  for  three  affiliated  preparatory  schools  to  be  located  in 
different  parts  of  the  State,  and  Dr.  Ricker  as  one  of  the  trustees  opened  negotiations  with  the  trustees  of 
Houlton  Academy  with  this  end  in  view.  In  1874  the  Academy  trustees  signified  their  willingness  to  give 
their  property  in  trust  to  Colby  University  on  condition  that  an  endowment  of  $25,000  be  raised,  the  school 
thereafter  to  be  the  Eastern  preparatory  school  for  that  College,  and  in  1877,  the  conditions  having  been  met, 
Dr.  Ricker  himself  giving  what  afterwards  amounted  to  $10,000,  the  transfer  was  made. 

The  second  score  of  years  of  the  Academy’s  history  was  nearing  its  close  when  an  unexpected  good 
fortune  was  announced.  Already  the  demands  of  the  school  made  necessary  better  and  larger  facilities  for  its 
work,  and  those  most  deeply  interested  were  anxiously  considering  the  question  of  providing  these. 


ENTRANCE  TO  WORDING  HALL 


Judge  William  E.  Wording,  of  Grand  Forks,  Dakota,  was  a classmate  and  lifelong  friend  of  Dr.  Ricker, 
and  after  his  death  Mrs.  Wording  sought  his  advice  in  regard  to  the  disposal  of  the  large  property  left  her  by 
her  husband.  He  suggested  for  one  thing  the  gift  of  $30,000  for  a new  Academy  building  to  be  erected  as  a 
memorial  of  her  husband.  On  July  5,  1886,  the  joyful  news  was  announced.  Steps  were  at  once  taken  for 
the  erection  of  the  building,  and  two  years  later,  June  27,  1888,  it  was  dedicated. 

In  this  memorial  gift  Mrs.  Wording  wrought  “heartily,  lovingly,  gladly,  joyously,  even  thankfully,  as 
though  she  was  not  the  author  but  the  recipient  of  the  gift.”  She  was  a noble,  consecrated  woman.  She  took 
the  greatest  satisfaction  and  delight  in  attendance  upon  the  dedicatory  exercises  and  the  Commencement  the 
following  year.  She  died  in  Boston,  Mass.,  January  24,  1890,  passing  peacefully  to  her  eternal  rest. 

The  old  school  building  was  moved  to  the  lot  south,  the  lot  having  been  bought  and  as  a gift  added  to 
the  campus  by  Dr.  Ricker,  and  fitted  up  for  a dormitory,  being  well  arranged  for  forty  students,  and  for  a home 
for  the  Principal  and  assistant  teachers. 

Fifty  years  have  passed  since  the  incorporation  of  Houlton  Academy,  and  through  nearly  all  of  them 
progress  and  growth  have  been  quite  marked.  The  town  of  Houlton  has  increased  from  a small  hamlet  to  a 
thriving,  intelligent,  beautiful  town  of  near  five  thousand  people,  having  elegant  residences,  well  equipped 
churches,  and  fine  business  blocks  — one  of  the  best  communities  in  the  State.  Many  of  the  older  residents 
have  lived  to  see  the  third  building  erected  upon  the  same  site,  — the  last,  one  of  the  most  eligible  and  best 
adapted  school  buildings  in  the  State,  — the  grounds  enlarged  to  about  four  acres  and  well  laid  out  in  graded 
lawns  and  athletic  fields,  the  endowment  funds  amounting  to  over  $30,000,  and  the  name  changed  to  Ricker 
Classical  Institute  in  grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  personal  gifts  and  labors  of  Rev.  Joseph  Ricker,  D.  D., 
of  Augusta,  Me. 


Of  the  original  corporate  members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  none  are  living.  Forty-one  different  persons 
have  served  in  this  way.  There  have  been  nineteen  Principals,  the  present  one  being  Arthur  M.  Thomas, 
A.  M.,  who  is  now  on  his  thirteenth  year  of  service. 

The  Institute  is  a thriving  school  with  high  character,  lofty  aims,  liberal  courses  of  study,  proficient 
teachers,  and  well  equipped  for  its  service  for  the  youth  around,  and  is  the  only  school  of  as  high  a grade  in 
a population  of  over  fifty  thousand  people.  The  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  past  is  the  promise  of  future 
usefulness.  For  all  that  she  has  done,  is  doing  and  expects  to  do,  Ricker  Institute  deserves  the  heartiest 
support  of  all  interested  in  and  pledged  to  the  support  of  those  things  that  stand  for  the  welfare  of  all. 


Higgins  Classical  Institute 

N 1836  a theological  institution  was  established  at  Charleston,  Me.,  and  a school  building 
was  erected.  On  account  of  the  financial  depression  of  the  following  year  the  character 
of  the  school  was  changed,  and  from  that  time  it  became  an  Academy,  known  as  Charleston 
Academy.  Elisha  M.  Thurston,  a graduate  of  Waterville  College,  class  ’38,  was  its  first 
Principal.  Mr.  Thurston  was  followed  by  A.  W.  Paine,  Waterville  College,  class  ’44,  and 
at  present  an  official  in  the  Treasury  Department  in  Washington.  Two  other  graduates  of 
the  College  also  served  as  Principals,  Thomas  B.  Buck,  class  ’51,  now  a resident  of  Cali- 
fornia, and  a Mr.  Brown,  a prominent  lawyer  in  Chicago. 

From  1838  to  1891  the  school  was  one  of  the  leading  Academies  in  Central  Maine,  and  graduated  well- 
equipped  men  and  women  who  to-day  honor  the  institution  which  gave  them  their  early  training. 

In  1891  Rev.  T.  H.  Higgins,  of  Charleston,  and  others  pledged  to  the  school  an  endowment  of  $25,000. 
The  school  was  incorporated  in  1891  under  the  name  of  “ Higgins  Classical  Institute,”  and  was  accepted  by 
Colby  University  as  her  fourth  special  fitting  school.  The  University  also  pledged  efforts  to  increase  the 
endowment  fund  by  $25,000  before  January  1,  1891. 

The  first  Principal  of  Higgins  Classical  Institute  was  Mr.  Charles  C.  Richardson,  a graduate  of  Colby 
University,  class  of  ’87.  Mr.  Richardson  was  at  the  head  of  the  Institute  for  five  years,  and  through  his  efforts 


it  became  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  fitting  schools  of  Eastern  Maine.  Mr.  H.  Warren  Foss,  the  present 
Principal,  is  also  a graduate  of  Colby  University,  class  of  ’96.  He  is  on  his  second  year  of  service. 

The  Institute  building,  while  pleasant  and  attractive,  hardly  serves  the  best  interests  of  the  school,  and  it 
is  hoped  that  within  a few  years  a structure  well  suited  to  its  growing  demands  will  be  erected. 

The  Trustee  House,  under  the  care  of  Mr.  E.  L.  Macomber,  is  a model  home  for  students,  and  rates  are 
so  low  as  to  bring  its  advantages  within  the  reach  of  all.  Many  students,  however,  board  themselves,  and  a 
limited  number  of  desirable  rooms  can  be  secured  in  the  village  for  that  purpose.  Board  may  also  be  secured 
in  private  families  at  reasonable  rates. 

Among  the  needs  of  the  Institute,  however,  is  a dormitory,  as  suitable  accommodations  are  often  with 
difficulty  obtained  for  all  who  desire  to  attend  the  Institute,  and  the  future  growth  of  the  school  will  depend 
upon  better  accommodations.  At  present  some  are  turned  away  for  lack  of  these. 

The  small  village  of  Charleston  is  a model  one  for  the  student’s  home.  Here  he  is  free  comparatively 
from  harmful  influences  and  from  the  temptations  of  a city  or  large  village.  Charleston  is  beautiful,  healthful, 
and  quiet.  There  are  excellent  religious  privileges,  and  all  the  influences  of  the  community  are  favorable  to 
the  highest  moral  and  intellectual  development  of  the  student. 

The  Institute  offers  three  courses  of  study,  the  College  Preparatory,  the  Latin  Scientific,  and  the  English 
Scientific.  Graduates  from  the  College  Preparatory  course  are  admitted  to  Colby  University  and  some  other 
colleges  on  certificate  of  the  Principal.  The  Latin  Scientific  course  is  designed  for  those  who  wish  to  take 
a course  in  Latin,  French,  and  the  Sciences,  or  who  desire  to  enter  Technical  Schools.  The  English  Scientific 
course  is  arranged  to  meet  the  needs  of  those  who  do  not  intend  to  take  a collegiate  course  but  who  desire  a 
general  English  education. 


VIEWS  IN  CHARLESTON,  ME. 

OBSERVATORY — MAIN  STREET — GYMNASIUM,  TRUSTEE  HOUSE. 


